Replacing a power door lock actuator on a dodge caravan isn t a very difficult job.
How to fix power door lock actuator.
A rod connects the actuator to the latch and another rod connects the latch to the knob that sticks up out of the top of the door.
Carefully peel back the plastic rain shield attached to the door to avoid ripping it.
Remove the bolts from the side of the door.
Remove the door panel.
Door lock actuator troubleshooting.
With the right replacement part and a little work taking off the door panel it s a job that the average person can do in under an hour.
Symptoms of a failing door lock actuator door lock actuators are made in two styles.
In most cases if only one power door lock isn t working the problem is either the door lock switch or the door lock actuator though the issue could be a less common circuit problem as well.
A door lock actuator is responsible for locking and unlocking your doors.
Car door lock actuators are designed to lock and unlock a door without the effort of pulling on a cable and rod.
If the door lock actuator doesn t work with any method then the problem can be the door lock actuator itself the wiring or the control module.
On a vehicle with electric locks the process is a bit different.
Step 2 remove the power door lock actuator.
One way you can narrow down the list of possible causes is by checking whether there s power to the actuator.
Pry out the screw cover on the door release handle and take out the screw.
On manual locks the locking function operates by pushing or pulling on the door lock.
In some cars the door lock actuator is positioned below the latch.
How a door lock actuator works.
Pull off the two plugs on the outside of the door to reveal two 10mm screws then remove the screws.
Pry out the screw.
Solenoid and dc motor.
When the actuator stops working there is no communication between the door lock switch and the door locks and you ll be unable to lock or unlock the door.
This manipulates a series of rods that slide back and forth opening and closing the locking mechanism at the door latch.